Partnering in a Time of COVID-19

By Dr. Linda Hunt

No one would question that this past year has been a trying time – shifting how we manage our lives and forcing us all to rethink how we can carry out our responsibilities. Within the National Council of Negro Women, our local sections and affiliate organizations have been forced to rethink how we do business to continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Our lines and means of communications have shifted dramatically, yet the critical need to stay in touch and work together is unchanged. The onset of Covid-19 restrictions has halted our ability to meet in person and enjoy fellowship and share experiences.

Our leader, Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole has repeatedly reminded us that we MUST adopt strategies that promote the viability of both “our roots and our wings”. She defines our “roots” as our wisdom and history, and our “wings” as our ability to soar to new heights with continuous improvement and refinement of our goals and processes. While the initial attention focused on strengthening the intergenerational nature of our membership, those key principles can also be applied to ensuring that we consider not only age differences among our members, but also varied educational backgrounds, life stage differences, career experiences and other considerations. These factors impact how we communicate and share our talents to meet our collective commitment to serve our nation and our local communities.

Prince George’s County Section has adopted a new strategy to ensure that our members continue to build the bonds of “roots” and “wings”; working together and staying connected. Our Program Committee traditionally plans activities for our in person monthly meeting where local leaders from various sections of the community – governmental services, civil engagement, local business such as book stores, non-profit service organizations, etc. present information to our membership. Beginning in December 2020 we decided to focus our attention internally. Who are we and what do we individually bring to the communal table?

Each of the 100+ members were partnered – new members with those having sustained longer term membership; younger members with older members; Section leaders with those who recently joined; technologically knowledgeable with novice technology users. The initial goal was to keep in touch via phone or email to ensure that the “partner” was physically ok and to determine if there were any specific needs that warranted individual or collective attention. We wanted to ensure that during these non-contact times all members experienced the bond of sisterhood and friendship that brought us to NCNW - an organization that promotes bonding sometimes dissimilar individuals to address common needs and interests. The results have far exceeded the initial plan! Members who initially were uncertain of the benefits of the effort found that making one- on- one contact was both informative and fun. We did not make any specific demands for their engagement - leaving the method and timing of the contact up to each team. A few teams are asked to report their connections during Section meetings or to provide short articles for the monthly newsletter. Feedback from a few of the partners included the following:

• “My partner and I were in the same ski club years ago. We knew the same people but didn’t know each other. This is a small world. We do plan to have lunch together when we are able to do that.” • “Unbeknownst to us, my partner and I share the joy of working in ministry. This was evidenced by her many speaking engagements and my writing spiritual poetry”. I would not have had a chance to learn about this without partnering. • “My partner and I share words of encouragement with one another due to the issues we both are currently facing. We also send cards and emails to one another”

We will pose specific questions for all partners to address during upcoming months. Questions for Women’s History Month (in March) is: “How does each partner view Dr. Cole’s focus on roots and wings and how does that emphasis impact how they view their partner and what will they jointly will contribute to the Section as a whole”. Based on the results so far, we plan to continue partnering even after Covid 19 restrictions are lifted. It has proven to be a beneficial, informal way to connect members, and appreciate our differences as we celebrate our joint commitment to the principles of our National and local organization. Consider “Partnering”, it is a viable way to support one another as we continue the important work of bonding our roots and wings and strengthening our organization.

18.4 %

28.8 % 17.3 % 18 % 15.1 %